By Monica Nashon
A group of American entrepreneurs and professionals taking part in the 11th Kenya Keynote Tour has challenged Kenyan students to embrace education, technology, creativity and leadership as the country expands its role as a regional technology hub.
The delegation, led by Top Talent International founder Isabel Donadio, has been visiting schools in Kisii as part of a programme that connects American professionals with Kenyan students and communities.
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Donadio said nearly 30 business owners and entrepreneurs from the United States had travelled to Kenya for the tour, leaving behind their families, businesses and other responsibilities to engage with communities.
The delegation visited Amasege and Ichuni schools on Thursday and was scheduled to address students at Kereri Girls on Friday.
“This is the 11th anniversary of the Kenya Keynote Tour,” Donadio said.
She said the programme targets schools, communities and informal settlements, including areas in Nairobi, with the aim of identifying local needs and supporting projects such as water tanks and computer libraries.
Donadio said the initiative also works with communities to ensure children have the basic support required to remain in school.
Ambassador Dominic Obadiah, a humanitarian diplomat and founder of Civility Voice Diplomat, said he had been working with organisations, including Top Talent International, to support students and communities.
Obadiah, who was recently appointed to collaborate with the Ministry of Education in supporting learners, particularly in Kisii and Nyamira counties, said the delegation had visited 11 schools along the Nairobi-Kisumu-Kisii route.
He said the school visits were intended to support learners while exposing them to opportunities beyond the classroom.
Craig Bruce, founder and managing principal of Evolve Advisory Group, said the delegation’s message to Kenyan students was that they believed in their potential.
“We have one message to send to Kenya: we believe in you,” Bruce said.
He cited Kenya’s economic growth, development as a regional technology hub and the emergence of a new generation of leaders as among the reasons for engaging students.
Bruce also highlighted creativity as an important skill in leadership and business. He was among those who endorsed Diane Strand’s CreativePreneur initiative, which links creative skills with leadership, communication and business development.
Connecting with others
Julian Nicoson, founder of Move Forward Stronger, said Kenya had significant room for growth, particularly in technology.
He said the students he had interacted with had demonstrated a strong work ethic and willingness to connect with others and learn.
Dennis DiNoia, a curriculum developer and advocate for children’s education, brought an education and technology focus to the tour.
DiNoia has more than three decades of experience in education and developed the Mr. D Math curriculum, which uses problem-solving and independent learning to help learners understand mathematics. His work has also expanded into AI-supported education.
Tanish Shenoy, founder of MeraEinstein, is also part of the delegation. His platform focuses on youth entrepreneurship, innovation and digital skills, helping young people develop ideas into practical projects and ventures.
His recent work has included helping students and young entrepreneurs explore artificial intelligence and other digital tools in developing projects and businesses.
The delegation’s school engagements are expected to continue as the Kenya Keynote Tour seeks to expose students to professionals from different fields while encouraging them to consider education, technology, creativity and entrepreneurship as avenues for their future.
Donadio said the wider goal was to reach thousands of students and help create conditions that enable children to remain in school and continue their education.
